The French official, who has had a colourful relationship with the 2006 and 2008 champions in recent seasons, takes charge of their trip to Murrayfield on January 13.

Wayne Barnes will take charge of the crucial home meeting with Racing Metro a week later.

Leinster's clash with Scarlets will be refereed by Jerome Garces, while Poite will take charge of their visit to Exeter a week later.

Pascal Gauzere will referee Ulster's game against Glasgow Warriors and Connacht's meeting with Zebre, while Mathieu Raynal takes charge of the Westerners' clash with Harlequins in London. Nigel Owens will oversee Ulster's pivotal clash with Castres.

Meanwhile, Scott Johnson has been entrusted with reviving Scotland's fortunes after being appointed interim head coach for the Six Nations and summer tour to South Africa.

The Australian will step up from his role as senior assistant coach to take caretaker charge following Andy Robinson's resignation as head coach last month.

The coaching team remains as it was for the autumn Tests, but the SRU will soon appoint an interim forwards coach. A global search for Robinson's permanent successor is continuing.